Newsletter from Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and School

I Need More. . .FAITH

October 2019

“I Need More faith.” I can’t imagine any honest

Christian who wouldn’t say a hearty “Amen” to that

statement. Because of the common weakness of our

sinful, human nature, the fervent request that a great-

ly distressed father made to Jesus regarding his son’s

great need and his own weakness

of faith has often struck a chord:

“I do believe; help me overcome

my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24)

Notice how that statement is

punctuated with only a semi-

colon regarding his faith, but an

exclamation point with regard to

his unbelief. Unfortunately,

that’s the reality of the faith-life

of God’s people. We wish our

own faith was punctuated with an exclamation mark

or at least a simple period. But we know a ques-

tion mark suggesting uncertainty or doubt gets

in the way too often.

Just about every Sunday the worshipers in our

churches make a confession of faith with the

Apostles’ or Nicene Creed. The key truths of the

Christian faith are very briefly and yet adequately

summarized in those statements. There are no excla-

mation points in either of those great, ancient

creeds—just commas and periods that acknowledge

the basic scriptural facts. That’s an important aspect

about saving faith: knowing the truth about the true

God and the Savior he has given us.

Since this faith is totally a gift, we need to keep go-

ing to the Lord with this request, “Lord, I do believe;

help me overcome my unbelief!”

We keep having a problem with

unbelief because it’s such a natural

part of us. Faith is a supernatural

thing, and it is kept alive and

strong only with the supernatural

Word of our supernatural God.

The most important thing to re-

member about faith is that it de-

rives all its strength from its ob-

ject, that on which it rests. As a

famous preacher once said, “It is not your hold on

Christ that saves you; it is Christ. It is not your joy in

Christ that saves you; it is Christ. It is not even your

faith in Christ that saves you, though that be the in-

strument. It is Christ’s blood and merit.”

There might indeed be many instances where our

trusting faith is shaky, but the Savior and his promis-

es are rock solid. With this subject of faith, it’s most

important to hear him speak with exclamation

points, “I love you! I have saved you! I will

never let you go!”

Rose Marie Adams

Diane Bannerman

Ruth Bauman

Julie Bunt

Pauline Cattanach

Sherri Cepress

Elaine Craig

Lynn Davis

Greg Dorr

Robert Dorr

Mandy Ehlke

Dave Etter

Dave & Jill

Audrey Hanson’s Family

Pastor Robert Hartman

Karen Heiman

Scott & Debbie Heiman Family

Andy & Margie Hogan

Ben Holberg

Pat Hunziker

Bonnie Jaecks’ Family

Katie & Lily

Elmer Loechler

Donna Marks, Jerry’s wife

Family of Linda Mathieus

Markka, Joanne Farrington’s daughter

DeeDee Marichal & Family

Dave Melke

Jonathan Mittelsteadt

Dr. Roger Newman

Judy Ozburn

Becky & Sam Piper

Violet PowelL

Elliot Przybylski

Robert in Ecuador

Cassie Ross (Malawi)

Pat & Alan Rozelle

Duane Ryun

Ryan, Betty H’s grandson

David Seidler

Eugene Sigmund

Lorna Skicki

Loren Tullberg

Family of Michael Weigel

Pastor Mike Wolff

Elaine Zuege’s Family

Elton Zuege

ONLINE REQUESTS

Sarah Allerding’s Grand-mother

Dr. Shannon Straszewski

Gloria Walters

1) Tyden Etter

3) Adam Timmermann

8) Chad Beyer

9) Jon Haag

11) Ruth Bauman

14) Terri Haase

16) Shelley Tesnow

19) Mike Meyer

Katlyn Savage

20) Duane Ryun

21) Darlene Estlund

22) Linda Wallace

25) Josiah Melke

29) Josh Beyer

1) Kirk & Laurel Olson

17) Larry & Carol Slonaker

21) Kyle & Kayla Mallek

31) Rod & Roxann Dashner

Ron and Diane Bannerman

Larry and Sue Sloniker

Larry and Sue Riedel

“News from Your School”

October, 2019 Good Shepherd Lutheran School, 10611 Hwy 13 South, Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494

PH: 715.325.3355 WEB: 1goodshepherd.org/school/ Email: 1goodshepherdschool@gmail.com

Mrs. Irwin’s Peek into Pre-school: The Quiet Area

Hello! This month we will focus on the quiet area, one of the six learning centers in our 3K room. The quiet area is to the left as soon as you enter the room. There is a child-sized bench with a pillow and usually a stuffed animal to cuddle with. It’s filled with multiple books; fiction, non-fiction, and even a book with the 3K children in it. Our Jesus Loves Everyone book is very popular because all the children have their own page (make sure to check it out sometime)! The quiet area also has puzzles, magnetic toys, and busy boxes. Busy boxes are filled with small toys that help chil-dren develop their fine motor skills. The quiet area is especially popular in the be-ginning of the year when morning drop off still brings tears of uncertainty. The quiet area is the perfect spot for children to relax and unwind. It helps children learn the basic concept of how to take care of books. It helps them learn to self-soothe by taking a break when needed. And it creates a spot where they can progress in their fine motor skills. The best part about the quiet area is that it’s a place to strengthen the child/adult relationship as you will often hear a child ask, “Teacher, can you read me this book?”

Blessings! ~ Mrs. T

What is School Culture?

It is hard to believe the first month of school has already passed. One of the amazing blessings of our one-room school is how quickly we settle in to each new school year. Friendships are renewed, routines are practiced, subjects are reviewed, and new material has begun to be mastered. In addition,

there is one more thing that begins anew each year that, while not as obvious, is vital to the heart of our school.

A popular term in education these days is school culture. It is defined as being how teachers, volunteers, and students work together to produce a positive environment for learning and growing together. School culture is vital to everyone’s school experi-ence. How does that work for us?

In our Lutheran Elementary school, we root our school culture in the Triune God. He guides us through His Word and motivates us through the Gospel. His love, mercy and grace lead us to be hum-ble, respectful and faithful in all we do and say. When we err, we are led to repentance and forgiven, with the positive encouragement to make the changes we need - and want - to make out of thankfulness for all that Jesus has done for us. Living, learning, and loving one another through the power of the Holy Spirit is what inspires and creates our school culture at Good Shepherd.

To that end, along with the hymnist, we can say: “How Good, Lord, to be Here!” May God contin-ue to guide and bless our School, making it a place where we grow daily in faith and knowledge through-out the school year. To God be the Glory!

Looking Ahead:

Oct. 2: School Picture Day

Oct. 23-25: Wis. Lutheran St. Teacher’s Convention at Wis. Lutheran High School in Milwaukee

Oct. 26: Trunk or Treat

Romans 6:18: After you were set free from sin, you become slaves to righteousness. (EHV) Last month, our country paused to observe the 18th anniversary of the tragic events which took place on the morning of September 11th. Nearly 3,000 people died in the two World Trade Center towers, in the Pentagon, and aboard an airplane that crashed in Pennsylvania. This act of terrorism shocked, angered, and terrified people all around the world. We were inspired by the reports of bravery by people on the fourth ill-fated airplane as they attempted and most like-ly succeeded in overtaking the terrorists so that no other buildings might be attacked. Accord-ing to news resources at the time, one of the sights this fourth hijacked plane was headed for was the Capitol Building in Washington D.C. If it had made it that far, who knows how many more lives would have been lost. On that fateful day the freedoms of our country were attacked in a way never before imagined. Prior to that day we might have taken our freedoms for grant-ed. Even years later, we treasure them perhaps like never before. The cornerstone to the Capitol Building was laid in 1793. But the crowning touch to this build-ing was when the "Freedom Lady" was raised into place in 1863. This twenty foot tall statue stands proudly atop the dome. Her face is framed by a crest of stars. A shield of stars and stripes are in her left hand. "The Lady" was sculptured in Rome and brought to America aboard a sailing ship. During the trip across the Atlantic Ocean, a fierce storm developed. The captain ordered cargo thrown overboard to lighten the load. The sailors wanted to throw the heavy stat-ue overboard, but the captain refused, shouting above the wind, "No! Never! We'll flounder be-fore we throw 'Freedom' away." "Freedom" was saved. The statue was raised into place above the capitol, and there she stands today, because one man stood for "Freedom." Some citizens of our country have trouble handling the freedom they have been given. Many do not use it responsibly. Many more use it selfishly, with 'freedom' becoming virtually 'anything I want to do.' It especially tears at our heart to hear people proclaim that true freedom is free-dom from God and religion. There is freedom that enslaves, and a slavery which sets free. Slavery to righteousness is no slavery at all, according to St. Paul, who spent half his life in slavish obedience to Jewish law, trying to earn salvation by good works. Unbelief is true slavery, and leads to eternal bondage in hell. Dear friends, So if the Son sets you free, you really will be free! (John 8:36 EHV). Your sins can't bother you, for Christ has forgiven them. Satan can't accuse you, for Christ has defeated him. Death cannot rob you of eternal joy, for Christ has risen. And He sits at the right hand of God to rule all things for you so that you, in freedom, can live under Him in His kingdom and freely serve Him in everlasting righteousness, innocence, and blessedness – not because you 'have to,' but because you want to. Regardless of the cost, some things cannot be thrown away! Freedom...faith...salvation...must be preserved. Paul says to us in 2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. Treasure the freedoms you have in these United States. Celebrate your freedom by willingly, joyfully walking hand in hand with your gracious and loving Mas-ter. Hold on to your spiritual freedom in Christ. It's the greatest treasure you have.

John Melke

Welcome to October! Perhaps that means you are in search of pumpkin spice. Maybe you prefer caramel apples. I hope you find your favorite fall flavors.

This month I would like to talk about mental health. Even if you are not struggling with mental illness, I hope these self -help techniques will help you maintain your mental health. Whether you are strug-gling with mental illness or physical illness, remember God is with

you through any challenge. He tells us “When you cross through the waters, I will be with you. When you cross the rivers, they will not sweep you away. When you walk through fire, you will not be burned, and the flame will not set you on fire ” (Isaiah 43:2).

Mental illness is typically treated with medications and psychotherapy (talk therapy.) These inter-ventions have proven to be effective. They should not be stopped without talking to your health care provider. In addition to these therapies activities such as exercise, mindfulness, and meditation are often recommended. I want to share some other self-help activities that you may find useful.

Opposite-to-Emotion Thinking

Opposite to emotion is what it sounds like. You act in a way that is different than the emotion. Every emotion has an action. Maybe your emotion tells you that you want to be alone, so you decide to hide away in your house. Opposite -to-emotion thinking tells you to say “yes” when a friend suggests an activity. Maybe you are experiencing anger. You can get into a vicious cycle if you act on the anger. It can build and build. Opposite -to-emotion thinking says instead of yelling at someone, do something loving. This tech-nique can be challenging to complete, but the benefits can be great.

Deep breathing

Are you feeling anxious? You may be irritated by the simple suggestion “take a deep breath.” But it is actually a good technique to use. Try breathing in for five seconds, holding your breath for 3 sec-onds, and breathing out for seven seconds. The gentle repetition tells the brain that things are okay (or soon will be.) Your heart will slow and you will begin to relax.

Mental reframing

With mental reframing, you take a situation and look at it in another way. Rather than thinking “I can’t believe I am going to need to get up early and shovel the driveway just so I can get to work”, you can reframe your thoughts. “I am going to get some much needed exercise and fresh air. What a great way to start the day.” Perfecting this technique can change your perspective in tough situations. Mental reframing may be helpful in your prayer life. God tells us to “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you (1 Thessalonians 5:18 ESV). I am sure you do not want to say thanks for all the terrible things in my life, try reframing.

Avoid self-medicating

Keep your alcohol use to a minimum and only use prescription drugs that are ordered by a health care provider. Self-medicating can only aggravate a problem.

These are just a few things you can do for your mental health. You may want to check out the Na-tional Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) website for more techniques.

May God’s blessings fall down on you,

Kathy Lee, RN

PROVERBS 11:27 The one who searches for what is good finds favor, but if

someone looks for trouble, it will come to him.

searches for The word in Hebrew that God chose to use comes from the word that looks to the dawn, ea-

ger to get up and get going on the new day.

good The word God chose refers to everything inher-ently at its core that is pleasant, joyful, glad, right, good,

beautiful, gracious, morally upright, delicious.

finds The word God chose means to look with the idea of finding, it is used in prayer and worship, looking

for, aiming, expecting to hit the target

favor goodwill, satisfaction, it comes from the word used to describe the fulfilling delight in paying off a debt

YOU WILL FIND WHAT YOU’RE LOOKING FOR. “Remember to say thank you.” That is the constant refrain of parents at birthday par-

ties and Christmas gatherings. But what do we do if we’re not feeling particularly thankful?

HERE ARE FIVE TIPS FOR LEARNING HOW TO BE THANKFUL.

Learning? What do I have to learn. There have been many times when I’ve asked peo-

ple, “How was it?” I’m referring to some event I couldn’t attend. Some friends will have a

glowing review of all the great fun and exciting things about the awesome event.

Others will share the many ways in which the event was far from perfect. They say things like:

“pushy people”, “an uncomfortable seat”, “too hard to see or hear”, “same-old-same-old, nothin’

new”, “cold”, “hot” ….you get the idea. ‘Cup-half-empty’ people will always find what they are

looking for: problems, snags, troubles, nothing quite perfect, irritations. But as members of

God’s family of faith, you and I can always find reasons for gratitude, thanks. The question is,

and always will be, am I looking for God’s blessings? You will find what you’re looking for.

2. USE THE METHOD: “TRUE, HOWEVER…”. USE IT WITH YOURSELF AND TO HELP OTHERS.

When you find yourself in a rut of negativity, it is hard to get back on track. Bad thoughts seem to

just glom onto us. So how can I slow down or even stop something like this? One of the easiest ways is one

my dad taught me. You can agree that all those “negative” things may be true, but

there are other, more positive, ways to look at the very same thing.

For example: “I’m finding it difficult to pay all my bills.” Sure enough, but

we’ve got enough to keep the heat & power on.” For example: “My friend is really not

very supportive of me.” Yes, but my friend still likes my company. For example: my

kids are so negative I feel it’s hopeless. That may be true, however… God wants us to

give it our best because Christians are really doing everything to give God glory.

The Lord alerts us to the truth that trouble comes into our lives and some of it

tries to darken our thoughts and lives. So shine that little encouragement light of

God’s Word on your own thoughts to lighten the darkness. You will find what you’re

looking for.

3. COUNT YOUR MANY BLESSINGS.

If you are starting down the dark sad shadows of negative thinking,

1. PAUSE . 2. Grab some PAPER. 3. P ICK out 3 blessings of the day. By doing this, you

are training yourself to find good things. Set the timer for 10 minutes. With pencil in

hand, write down blessings. At first it might take you five minutes to write down one

good thing. That’s ok. It is a start at training. Training always starts small, then in-

creases with time and effort. Slowly and surely, God will let you see His blessings in

your life again. The word, sacraments, life, friends, food, yes, even weather…. Soon you

will find yourself running out of space. Jesus says come to Me. So, do that. Go looking

for God and His blessings. In His Word God promises that He will be found by those who look for Him. You

will find what you’re looking for.

4. TRUST. I put this on the list because even though we Christians believe, we sometimes forget what a blessing our God-given faith is. One reason we sometimes forget is that now and then clouds of emotion get in the way of seeing the cross of Christ and His empty tomb.

It may be that there is nothing in our experi-ence at the moment, nothing we see, or hear, or feel that compels us to giving thanks. Real-ity is: difficulties are sometimes part of God ’s will even for the lives of His Family of Faith. It is only afterwards, looking back, that we can sometimes see more clearly God’s creative helping Hand. God may be using difficulties to help, serve , and prepare you, maybe even guard you, in ways you cannot see or know right now. Bad news can indeed turn into good news. We have God’s own word on that, re-member? All things work together for good to those who love God, who are called ac cording to His purpose. You will find what you’re looking for.

5. CELEBRATE.

Many people have a hermit-like, reclusive nature. Any and all interaction is done through the

computer or tv. Work is exhausting. The kids and grandkids are a fun and a delight, but a bit too

much. So, some hunker down into a chair, a book and a cup of hot cocoa. Just veg.

But think for a second. Almost without exception, when we are out with people, we really do

enjoy ourselves. Sometimes when we’re struggling to be thankful, we

just need to get out and celebrate life with others. That might mean

spending fun together time with your family, or spending fun togeth-

er time with friends.

Maybe celebrate God’s gifts of life and friendship with a game

of cards, going to a movie, sitting down for a cup of coffee, or going

to a play. What you are doing is on purpose, intentionally, you are putting yourself into a place with other people. Celebrating God’s

various gifts with others causes thankfulness to burst out almost

without trying. It is easier to celebrate the goodness of God with oth-

ers.

What do you do when giving thanks doesn’t come easy for

you? You wil l f ind what you are looking for. God continues

His blessings here among us and through us at Good Shepherd. You wi l l f ind what you’ re

looking for . In Jesus we have every blessing f rom the hand of our generous God and Father.

From my family to you and yours, happy looking!

Alive in Jesus!

Pastor Tullberg

1 Learn to look 2 Try: True, however… 3 Count blessings 4 Trust Jesus 5 Celebrate

Optimist Pessimist Realist Christian

Optimist Pessimist Realist Savior-inside

Save the Date!!

The Ladies Group of Good Shepherd is pleased to announce three events:

Sunday, November 24th -

Thanksgiving Dessert Sale This sale is for pies,

breads, or other items commonly served at a Thanks-

giving meal. You can buy, bake, or both. If you will

be donating items, please bring them to church on

Sunday morning by 8:30 am. There will be no Saturday drop-off scheduled.

Saturday, December 7th 2:00-4:00 pm –

Advent By Candlelight. Watch for more details, but get it on

your calendar now. If you would like to assist with the program,

talk to Kathy Lee or Karen McGarry.

Starting by Thanksgiving (11-28-2019)

We will once again be sponsoring an Angel Tree. This is a

way you can demonstrate Christian love by purchasing gifts

for needy children in the area. More details to come closer

to the event.

Saturday, October 26th

from 4:00-6:00pm.

Sign up sheet in the entryway.

Questions? Contact Amanda Irwin 715-459-7054

Good Shepherd Financial Stewardship – August 2019

I usually have some more detailed updates for the council on where we are, but this month I simply

shared this with them -“All is good, God is great!! No matter what goes on, this is a very simple truth.

Sometimes I forget, but it makes me feel good when the Holy Spirit

whispers this to me, “I am with you” and “All is good”. That is where

we are today, tomorrow and in the future.

Tommy Woltman Treasurer

Summary of Giving minus Expenses YTD $1,189

COFFEE

OUTREACH 250 WEST GRAND AVE

Join our Outreach Pastor John Melke

each Monday (11:00 a.m.) at

From the Ground Up Coffee House

for some coffee, fellowship, friendship,

and discussion of God’s Word.

Bible Adventures!! Location: Misty’s Menu

When: Wednesdays at 3:00 pm

If you have any questions, please contact

Pastor John Melke 715-451-3694

General Operating Fund July 1, 2019 Balance: $58,243.85

General Operating Fund August 31, 2019 Balance: $59,433.40

July Giving Budget $28,735 July Expenses Budget $28,735

July Giving Actual $28,831 July Expenses Actual $26,120

Difference $95 Difference $2,710

WELCOME HOME SUNDAY OCTOBER 20th :

GOD SPEAKS AND REALITY RESULTS

"God said, 'Let there be light'" (Genesis 1:3). God wasn't simply expressing a wish, like walk-

ing into a dark home and saying, "Let's turn some lights on." God was calling a new reality into

existence. "And there was light." When God speaks, reality results.

When God tells me that I am a saint, I might want to say, "But, I sin every day!" True enough,

but God has spoken. He sent His Son to live, die, and rise for me, creating a new reality. In my

baptism, God Himself spoke to me. He tells that I am pure and blameless. And when God

speaks, reality results.

Throughout Scripture, God refers to believers as a family. That is more than a metaphor. That

is God calling a new reality into existence. Our privilege and responsibly is a joy given us

through our baptism and to live out that reality. We are called by Christ to show the same level

of love and self-sacrifice that we show to biological kin.

On October 20th, we will be holding Welcome Home Sunday. (We will not gather to worship on

Thursday October 17th.) Welcome Home Sunday is a celebration to praise God for giving us a

spiritual family... a spiritual home. Our goal for that Sunday is to make it into something of a

spiritual family reunion. We want to have 100% of our members in attendance. Why? God

loves to gather us as His family. And when God speaks, reality results. Can we all please set

aside that date? Come and join with your brothers and sisters in Christ!

Please plan on joining us for coffee, juice, treats and fellowship after the service.

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Come and See! Go and Tell!

Good Shepherd Evangelical Lutheran Church

and School—WELS

10611 Highway 13 South, Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494

Phone: 715-325-3355

www.1goodshepherd.org

Pastor Paul A. Tullberg | Principal Donna Tullberg

Congregational Assistant/Minister of the Gospel John Melke

NON-PROF ORG

U.S. POSTAGE PAID

PERMIT NO.7

WIS RAPIDS, WI

Or Current Resident

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